Project Estimator in Yamba

We are partnering with an established Australian marine manufacturer seeking a Project Estimator to join its growing team in Yamba, NSW. Operating within a highly specialised vessel design and manufacturing environment, our client delivers aluminium vessels for customers across Defence, police, marine rescue, pilotage and emergency services.

Reporting to the Commercial Manager, you will take responsibility for developing detailed project estimates from first principles, supporting tender submissions and helping ensure commercial information remains accurate throughout the project lifecycle. This is an excellent opportunity for an estimator who wants exposure beyond simply producing quotes. You will work closely with engineering, production, project, procurement and finance teams and have the opportunity to see your estimates progress from tender through to actual vessel construction.

The Opportunity

As the Project Estimator, you will:

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for vessel builds, refits, variations and service projects
• Develop estimates covering labour hours, materials, equipment, subcontractors, freight, overheads and contingency
• Review drawings, technical documentation and bills of material to determine project costs
• Work closely with engineering and production teams to validate labour hours and build assumptions
• Obtain and assess supplier and subcontractor pricing
• Maintain cost libraries, labour rates, historical pricing and estimating information
• Compare completed project costs against original estimates and incorporate lessons learned into future bids
• Support tender and quotation submissions, including pricing schedules and compliance requirements
• Assist with tender clarifications, variations, milestones and other commercial documentation
• Maintain accurate estimating, bid and project commercial records

The role has a strong emphasis on evidence-based estimating rather than relying solely on historical figures, with estimates validated directly against technical, production and supplier information.

About You

We are open to candidates from a range of project-based industries. You may currently be working as an Estimator, Project Estimator, Cost Estimator, Quantity Surveyor, Contracts Administrator or Commercial Coordinator, or you may come from a technical/trade background and be looking to move into estimating.

Ideally, you will have:

• Experience in estimating, cost planning, quantity surveying, contracts, procurement or a related commercial function
• Strong numerical and analytical capability
• Experience developing spreadsheet-based cost or pricing models
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills
• The ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and bills of material
• Strong attention to detail and document control
• The ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities
• Good written communication skills
• Confidence working directly with engineering, production and technical teams
• Experience within marine, shipbuilding, manufacturing, fabrication, construction or another project-based environment would be highly regarded.

Qualifications in engineering, construction management, business, commerce, accounting or a related discipline would also be beneficial, although relevant practical experience will be equally considered.

Why Apply?

This is a particularly strong opportunity for someone wanting to build a longer-term career across estimating, bids and commercial management. You will join a business where you can see the direct relationship between the estimate you produce and the vessel that ultimately leaves the facility. The position offers exposure across estimating, tendering, contracts and commercial operations rather than limiting you to one narrow function.

For candidates considering relocation, relocation support is available for the right person. Yamba also offers a genuine coastal lifestyle on the NSW North Coast, with the Gold Coast and Brisbane approximately two hours north.